Cribbage board



Filed Sep't. 24, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented July 16,* 1946 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CRIBBAGE BOARD Robert C. Shipley', Kalamazoo, Mich.

Application September 24, 1,945, Serial No. 618,323

15 Claims. 1

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a cribbage board which greatly facilitates the scoring of a Cribbage game.

Second, to provide a Cribbage board which has features aiding the scoring which are very easily manipulated.

Third, to provide a Cribbage board having these advantages which is very attractive in appearance.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined and pointed out in the claims.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Flg 1 is a plan view of a practical embodiment of my invention, the counter members being illustrated in Start position, certain structural details not being indicated.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary end elevation, parts being broken away and partially sectioned to illustrate structural details.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view corresponding to that of Fig. 3 illustrating the actuating slide in partially actuated position with the counter member in partially rotated position.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view partially in horizontal longitudinal section on line 5 5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is an end View with the end members, counter members and their supports, and actuating means omitted. Y

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary View partially in section on line l-l of Fig. 8 of a slightly modified structure or embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 8 is an end view with the end member removed of the embodiment shown in Fig. 'l with the actuating slide in partially actuated position.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the journal member of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of another modified 'form or embodiment of my invention.

Fig. l1 is a fragmentary view on line II-l l of Fig'. 10.

Fig. l2 is a fragmentary end elevation with parts broken away of another modified form or embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 13 is a View of a counter member in devel- 2 longitudinal bar designated generally by the numeral 4, the top of which provides a pegging surface or constitutes a pegging board.

The bottom, side and longitudinal bars are desirably permanently secured together, as by a suitable adhesive, the bottom l having plies 6 superimposed and secured thereon. However, these are part of the bottom.

For convenience in manufacture, the longitudinal bar is formed with two pieces, it having a longitudinal channel l in the upper side thereof receiving the insert 8. This insert has vertical kerfs 9 in the edges thereof constituting the pegging holes I0 when the insert is in position. This is a manufacturing convenience as it avoids the necessity of forming the pegging holes by boring.

The pegging holes I0 are arranged in two series, there being six groups of ve each and with an additional hole ll associated in offset relation to each series. The space between the longitudinal bar and the sides provides longitudinal counter receiving chambers l2 open at the top.

The end members 3 are detachably secured by means ci the screws I3. The end members being provided with flanges I4 overhanging` the side walls and the longitudinal bar maintain the end members in position by using a single screw. The bores in the end members receiving the screw are countersunk to receive closure plugs I5.-

The counter members I6 are of polygonal secoped form illustrating the arrangement of the scoring indicia thereon, the View being conventionalized.

The embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 inclusive comprises a bottom member l, side members 2, and end members 3 with a tion, square in the embodiment illustrated, and have longitudinal recesses Il in the sides thereof receiving the indicia strips I8.

The counter members are provided with counting indicia, the indicia of each side being arranged by groups of ve numerals and in general aligned with the groups of pegging holes. The last numeral of each group is larger than the other numerals which causes these numerals to stand out for convenience in counting.

Arrows I9 further indicate the direction of reading, and facilitate reading. At one end of the counter numerals is the word Start and at the other the word Home The numerals are arranged consecutively in the direction of rotation of the counter members.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. l to 6 the counter members are rotatably supported by the link-like journal members 2| which have journals 22 at one end engaging bores 23 at the ends of the counter members and pivots 24 at the other `end engaging bores 25 in the ends of the longitudinal bar. The longitudinal bar has' a transversey slot 2E at each end receiving the journal members and permitting limited vertical swinging movement thereof.

To actuate the counter members with a step by step action, I provide actuating slides 21 which are disposed in diagonally opposed relation to reciprocate in groove-like ways 28 and projecting through the side walls. These slides are provided with tappets 29 which engage the counter members as is illustrated in Fig. 4, imparting a quarter turn or rotation to the counter members at each actu,- ation of the slides. The slides are returned by means of the spring 39. The removable end members permit the convenient assembling of these parts.

The longitudinal bar is provided With bore like storage chambers 3l at each end for the pegs the end members having holes or bores 33 registering or valigned with these storage chambers, see Fig. 7. The slides serve as closures for these chambers, the slides having holes 34 therein which may be brought into alignment with the storage chambers to permit the introduction or removal oi the pegs. The side walls each have a pair of bores 35 adapted to receive the pegs while the end walls have a group oi bores 36 which may be positioned, if desired, to receive pegs to indicate games or the like. It will be noted that in their normal position, the counter members rest on the bottom, thus stabilizing them.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, cushion supports 3l are provided. This eliminates a slight clicking noise which results in the manipulation of the counting in the embodiment shown in Figs. l to 6.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the journal members 38 are in the `form of pieces of wire having straight portions 39 engaged in the grooves 2% and oiTset at 4U to support the journal membersagainst longitudinal movement. These journal members terminate in journals 4i engaging the ends of the counter members.

In the embodiment of my invention shown in Fig. l2, the journal members are. in the form of sheet metal links 42 pivoted at i3 to the ends of the longitudinal bore and having journals 44 on which are seated in suitable cavities 15.5 provided therefor so that the peripheries project for manipulation. In this embodiment, the peg storage chambers l are located so that the actuating members l5 constitute closures therefor and are provided with notches 48 which may be aligned i with the peg storage chambers to permit insertion or removal of the pegs.

My Cribbage board is highly practical in use, very attractive in appearance, and enables the players to quickly compute the points and adjust. the pegs accordingly, the entire manipulation being visible to both players.

I have not attempted to illustrate or describe other embodiments or adaptations of my invention as it is believed that this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt my invention as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

l. A Cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed centrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal chambers open at the top at each side of said longitudinal bar, the end members being detachably secured to said longitudinal bar, said longitudinal bar having two series of pegging holes arranged in groups of ve each with additional pegging holes at one end of each series slightly offset relative thereto, counter members of polygonal section provided with counting indicia arranged in six groups of i'lve each on each side thereof, the grouping corresponding to the groups of pegging holes, the indicia of adjacent sides being consecutive in the direction of rotation of the counter members in use, the last indicia of each group being larger than the other indicia, links provided with journals for said counter members, said links having pivots engaging the ends of the longitudinal bar, said bar having transverse slots in its ends receiving the links and permitting limited vertical swinging movement thereof, said links permitting the counter members to normally rest on the bottom whereby they are stabilized in their positions of adjustment, and actuating means for rotating each counter member.

2. A Cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed centrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal chambers open at the top at each side of said longitudinal bar, said longitudinal bar having two series of pegging holes, counter members of polygonal section provided With counting indicia, the indicia of adjacent sides being consecutive in the direction oi rotation of the counter member in use, links provided with journals for said counter members, said links having pivots engagingl the ends of the longitudinal bar, said bar having transverse slots in its ends receiving the links and permitting limited vertical swinging movement thereof, said links permitting the counter members to normally rest on the bottom whereby they are stabilized in their positions of adjustment, and actuating means for rotating each counter member.

3. A Cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed centrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal chambers open at the top at each side of said longitudinal bar, said longitudinal bar having two series of pegging holes, counter members of polygonal section provided with counting indicia, the indicia of adjacent sides being consecutive in the direction of rotation of the counter members in use, links provided with journals for said counter members, said links having pivots engaging the ends oi the longitudinal bar, said bar having transverse slots in its ends receiving the links and permitting limited vertical swinging movement thereof, said links permitting the counter members to normally rest on the bottom whereby they are stabilized in their positions of adjustment, counter member actuating slides disposed in diagonally opposed relation to reciprocate transversely below said counter members and to project through the side walls for manipulation, said slides being provided with counter member engaging tappets whereby a quarter revolution is imparted to the associated counter member with each actuation of the slide, springs acting to return said slides, and bore-like peg storage chambers in the ends of the bottom member opening through the end members, said actuating slides constituting closures for said storage chambers when the slides are in `their initial positions, the slides having holes registering with said storage chamber When the slides are actuated to discharge pegs from the storage chambers.

4. A Cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed Vcentrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal'chambers open at the top at each side of said longitudinal bar, the end member being detachably secured 'said bar having transverse slots in its ends receiving the links and permitting limited vertical swinging movement thereof, said links permittingthe counter members to normally rest on the bottom whereby they are stabilized in their positions of adjustment, counter member actuating slides disposed in diagonally opposed relation to reciprocate transveresly below said counter members and to project through the side walls for manipulation, said slides being provided with counter member engaging tappets whereby a quarter revolution is imparted to the associated counter member with each actuation of the slide, and springs acting to return said slides.

5. A Cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed centrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal chambers open at the top at each side of said longitudinal bar, said longitudinal bar having two series of pegging holes, counter members of polygonal seotion provided with counting indicia arranged in six groups of five each on each side thereof, the indicia of adjacent slides being consecutive in the direction of rotation of the counter members in use, swingably supported links provided with journals for said counter members, supports on which said counter members normally rest whereby they are stabilized in their positions of adjustment, counter member actuating slides disposed in diagonally opposed relation to reciprocate transversely below said counter members and to project through the side walls for manipulation, said slides being provided with counter member engaging tappets whereby a quarter revolution is imparted to the associated counter member with each actuation of the slide, springs acting to return said slides, and bore-like peg storage chambers in the ends of the bottom member opening through the end members, said actuating slides constituting closures for said storage chambers when the slides are in their initial positions, the slides having holes registering with said storage chamber when the slides are actuated to discharge pegs from the storage chambers.

6. A Cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed centrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal chambers open at the top at each side of said longitudinal bar, said longitudinal bar having two series of pegging holes, counter members of polygonal section provided with counting indicia arranged in six groups of ve each on each side thereof, the indicia of adjacent slides being consecutive in the direction of rotation of the counter members in use, swingably supported links provided with journals for said counter members, supports on which said counter members normally rest whereby they are stabilized in their positions of adjustment, counter member actuating slides disposed in diagonally opposed relation to reciprocate transversely below said counter members and to 'project through the side walls for manipulation,

said slides being provided with 4counter member engaging tappets whereby a quarter revolution is imparted to the associated counter member with each actuation of the slide, and springs acting to return said slides.

7. A Cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed centrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal chambers open at the top at each side of said longitudinal bar, said longitudinal bar having two series of pegging holes arranged in groups of live, counter members of polygonal section provided with counting indicia arranged in six groups of five each on each side thereof, the grouping corresponding to the groups of pegging holes, the in dicia of adjacent slides being consecutive in the direction of rotation of the counter members in use, swingably supported links provided with journals for said counter members, supports yon which said counter members normally rest whereby they are stabilized in their positions of adjustment, and actuating means for rotating each counter member.

8. A Cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed centrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal chambers open at the top at each side of said longitudinal bar, said longitudinal bar having two series of pegging holes, counter members of polygonal section provided with counting indicia, the indicia of adjacent slides being consecutive in the direction of rotation of the counter members in use, swingable journal members for said counter members, supports on which said counter members normally rest whereby they are stabilized in their positions of adjustment, and means for rotating said counter members independently.

9. A cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed centrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal chambers open at the top of each side of said longitudinal bar, said longitudinal bar having two series of pegging holes arranged in groups of ve each, and counter members of polygonal section rotatably mounted in said chambers and provided with counting indicia arranged, in six groups of live each on each side thereof, the grouping corresponding to the groups of pegging holes, the indicia of adjacent slides being consecutive in the direction of rotation of the counter members in use, the last indicia of each group being larger than the other indicia.

10. A Cribbage board comprising bottom, side and end members, a longitudinal bar disposed centrally between and in spaced relation to said side members providing longitudinal chambers open at the top at each side of said longitudinal bar, said longitudinal bar having two series of pegging holes, and counter members of polygonal section rotatably mounted in said chambers and provided with counting indicia on each side thereof, the grouping corresponding to the groups of pegging holes, the indicia of adjacent slides being consecutive in the direction of rotation of the counter members in use.

11. A cribbage board comprising a pegging surface having two series of pegging holes arranged in groups of five, there being a longitudinal chamber open at the top at each side of said pegging surface, counter members of polygonal section rotatably supported in said chambers, said counter members being provided with counting indicia on the side thereof arranged in groups of five corresponding to the grouping of the pegging holes, the indicia of adjacent sides being consecutive in a direction of rotation of the counter members in use, the last indicia of the group being larger than the other indicia to facilitate reading thereof, and means for rotating said counter members independently step by step in one direction only.

12. A cribbage board comprising a pegging surface having two series of pegging holes arranged in groups of ve, there being a longitudinal chamber open at .the top at each side of said pegging surface, counter members of polygonal section rotatably supported in said chambers, said counter members being provided with counting indicia on the side thereof, the indicia of adjacent sides being consecutive in a direction of rotation of the counter members in use, and means for rotating said counter members independently step by step in one direction only.

13. A cribbage board comprising a pegging surface provided with two series of pegging holes, there being a chamber open at the top at each side of the pegging surface, counter members of polygonal section provided with counting indicia on each side thereof corresponding in number to the number of pegging holes in the series, the lndicia of adjacent sides being consecutive, swingable links provided with journals for said counter members, an actuating member for said counter member adapted to rotate the same one step on each actuation of the member, and peg storage chambers, said actuating members constituting closure means for said storage chambers.

14. A cribbage board comprising a pegging surface provided with two series of pegging holes, there being a chamber open at the top at each side of the pegging surface, counter members of polygonal section provided with counting indicia on each side thereof corresponding in number to the number o pegging holes in the series, the indicia of adjacent sides being consecutive, swingable links provided with journals for said counter members, and an actuating member for said counter member adapted to rotate the same one step on each actuation of the member.

l5. A cribbage board comprising a pegging surface provided with two series of pegging holes, there being a chamber member at each side of the pegging surface, counter members of polygonal section rotatably mounted in said chamber and provided with counting indicia on each side thereof corresponding in number to the number of pegging holes in the series, the indicia of adjacent sides being consecutive, and an actuating member for rotating each counter member.

ROBERT C. SHIPLEY. 

